2003 FORD Escape Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
598
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
71 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT RAISED HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 70 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MPH, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 40 MPH AND QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. DUE TO DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT QUICKLY POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT'S FATHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CABLE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE WAS CAUGHT IN BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. THE CONTACT'S FATHER MANEUVERED THE CABLE AND THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Jun 03, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,496. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ *CN
Sep 14, 2015
ON 1/19/1993, I EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION IN MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED TO A STOP. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON A LOW TRAFFIC ROAD. AFTER TOWING THE ESCAPE TO MY MECHANIC, HE IDENTIFIED THAT THE ACCELERATION CABLE WAS BINDING AGAINST THE ENGINE COVER. AFTER FURTHER IDENTIFYING A RECALL RELATED TO THIS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:12V-353), THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO MY FORD SERVICE CENTER, WHO PERFORMED THE MODIFICATION. UPON PICKING UP THE CAR AFTER REPAIR AND LEAVING THE LOT OF THE FORD SERVICE CENTER, I IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION A SECOND TIME. QUICKLY HITTING THE BREAKS AND PERFORMING A U-TURN BACK INTO THE FORD LOT, I AGAIN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND COASTED TO THE GARAGE AREA. THIS TIME I WAS ON A MULTI-LANE ROAD IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA DURING 5:00 TRAFFIC AND SUFFERED NEAR COLLISION WITH MULTIPLE OTHER CARS. UPON INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE WITH THE SERVICE PERSONNEL, WE OBSERVED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD COME LOOSE AND BOUND WITH THE ACCELERATION CABLE, RESULTING IN THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ON MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO RECONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT IT WOULD EASILY COME LOOSE AND BIND AGAIN WITH THE ACCELERATION CABLE. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AND FIXED INTO LOCATION AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATION CABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW OR RECOMMEND ANY OTHER METHOD TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MY OBSERVATION IS THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT WEAR ON THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CONNECTION, POSSIBLY AS A RESULT OF THE INTERFERENCE CONDITION WITH THE THROTTLE COVER. THE CURRENT FORD RECALL DOES NOT APPEAR TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR LOOK FOR THIS ADDITIONAL PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE RPMS WENT FROM 800 TO 4,000 IN ONE DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Nov 04, 2014
WHILE DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK, I HAVE USED MY SPEED CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF 75 TO 80 AND HAVE THE SPEED INCREASE WITH NO INPUT FROM ME. THE SPEEDS HAVE GOTTEN UP TO 90 BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO DISENGAGE AND THIS IS ONLY AFTER NUMEROUS HARD INPUTS ON BRAKE PEDAL AND THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THIS PROBLEM IS AFTER I HAD THE REPAIR DONE PER RECALL12V-353. THE REPAIR WAS DONE ON 8/17/13, MILEAGE AT REPAIR WAS167,183. THIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL BEFORE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. AS OF NOW 7/10/14 IT IS IN REPAIR SHOP TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM. APPR. 186890 MILES ON VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *TR
Jul 10, 2014
+ 66 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
70 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front wheel would extend outward while turning the vehicle, braking, or during acceleration, causing the vehicle to slightly veer to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side control arm had slightly detached. The dealer informed the contact the failure was a result of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V165000 (Structure) and the vehicle was included; however, the fix needed exceeded the repair stated in the recall remedy. The dealer diagnosed that the front subframe was extremely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened. The contact was also referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Jan 08, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND QUOTED A REPAIR COST OF $2,000 TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND QUOTED REPAIRS COSTS AS HIGH AS $4,800. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SUBFRAME WOULD RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Mar 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED NEAR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BALISE FORD OF CAPE COD IN HYANNIS, MA) WERE BOTH NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Jun 21, 2018
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE RECALL ISSUES. *SMD
Apr 06, 2018
+ 65 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
51 complaints
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THE SHIFTER CABLES. THE CABLES TO ALLOW THE TRUCK TO GO FROM PRND12.ON THE DASHBOARD IF THE BLACK BOLD SQUARE ISN'T AROUND THE P WHEN I TURN OFF THE TRUCK THEN I CANNOT TAKE MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN PARKED.I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE TO KEEP MOVING .
Feb 02, 2021
VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD WHEN IN REVERSE GEAR WHEN I WAS TRYING TO BACK UP AT WORK. I HAD TO HAVE PEOPLE AT WORK COME HELP ME PULL THE VEHICLE BACKWARDS TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE WALL. IT STILL ONLY GOES FORWARD, EVEN IN REVERSE GEAR. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!!!
Sep 05, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MARK MCLARTY FORD LOCATED AT 4400 LANDERS RD, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72117, (501) 945-1200, WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
Aug 06, 2020
WHILE MY 2003 ESCAPE WAS IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND KICKED AD I PRESSED ACCELERATING ON A HEAVY CITY HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE COULDN'T DRIVE OR MOVE FORWARD. I BELIEVE IT IS THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE GEARS WERE SLIPPING OR NOT GOING IN POSITION. I WAS USING MORE GAS, HAVING A RECALL ON TRANSMISSION WAS ANNOUNCED ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. RECALL ID 234608 ON POWERTRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AND RECALL ID 234607 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION. RECALL ID 234607 I CALLED THE FORD SERVICE CENTER. I WAS TOLD NO RECALLS UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. I ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION. NO WAS ANSWER. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO PLACE I PURCHASED IT CARTER'S RADIATOR, PURCHASED 5-8-2020. CARTER RADIATOR DID DIAGNOSE, FOUND IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEARS. 4TH GEAR IS IN-OPERATIVE. ONY 1ST & 2ND GEARS OPERATING. TO REPAIR FAULTY TRANSMISSION WILL COST $3900, BUT BECAUSE I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM THEM, REPAIR COST IS $2400.
Aug 04, 2020
O/D OFF LIGHT FLASHES. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TRANSMISSION COLUMN SHIFTER MOVES PROPERLY IN ALL GEARS P,R,N,D,2,1 BUT VEHICLE ONLY MOVES IN REVERSE AND ENGAGES IN PARK AND NEUTRAL. VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE IN DRIVE, 2 OR 1. TRANSMISSION FLUID CONDITION AND LEVEL IS NORMAL.
Sep 23, 2019
+ 46 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
48 complaints
I had a rear end at fault collision that totaled my 2003 Ford Escape on Dec.19, 2021....not one air bag deflated (yes I was at fault) because I was the one whom ran into the back of a jeep.....I'm having neck pain and spasms from whiplash, just curious whu not 1 airbG in the whole car deflated?
Dec 30, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR FLASHED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEACH FORD (888-869-6079, LOCATED AT 2717 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23452) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 193,481.
Dec 10, 2019
PLUG ON WIRE TO DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATES WHEN ADJUSTING SEAT. MUST BE RECONNECTED EACH TIME. PURCHASED NEW AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS.
Oct 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER (GUS JOHNSON FORD, 8300 E SPRAGUE AVE, SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99212, (509)-924-1000) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN AN AIR BAG RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Jul 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON ICE, CROSSED OVER TWO LANES, AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL HEAD ON THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, SHOULDER, NECK, AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE TOWING LOT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE ACCELERATING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT *TR
Dec 29, 2017
+ 43 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
39 complaints
Driver had uneasy feeling with stability of vehicle as if it was swaying. He got it looked at and was told he probably needed lower control arm and links to take care of the problem. After ordering parts, the vehicle, while driving to work, a loud popping sound was heard and then the vehicle dropped down and had to be towed home (thank God this didn't happen on the expressway). I then looked up any recalls on this vehicle and low and behold there was a recall on this year, make and model car BUT not on this VIN number (Ford's number for this recall is 14S02. Recall date 2014-04-02 Recall no.14V165000). This vehicle suddenly and dangerously broke down from this same problem, and has the same issue that was recalled by Ford on this make, model and year described in their recall (14S02) but the VIN number seems to say otherwise when I looked it up. This needs to be investgated before this happens to someone while driving in snow or rainy condtions or while driving on the expressway. Please investigate!
Mar 11, 2022
WHILE REPLACING THE CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 I NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THERE WAS ALOT OF CORROSION SO MUCH SO THE CONTROL ARM IS BARELY HANGING ON THERE IS A FLAT BAR RUNNING FROM DRIVERS SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE WHICH HAS BEEN RENDERED USELESS BECAUSE THE BOLT THAT IS USED TO HOLD IT IN PLACE HAS NOTHING TO BOLT TO THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE ISSUE WITH CORROSION WELL IT HASN'T ITS NOW GONNA COST ME GOD KNOWS HOW MUCH TO FIX I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS ISSUE IS STILL COVERED UNDER, THE RECALL
Jan 10, 2021
RECALL #14S02 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V165000) COVERED REPLACEMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALLPOINT FOR EVERY NEARBY STATE, BUT NOT VIRGINIA. BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON MY VEHICLE ARE CORRODED AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT, BUT THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR MY VIN BECAUSE 14S02 DID NOT INCLUDE VIRGINIA. DRIVING VEHICLE WITH CORRODED CONTROL ARMS IS DEEMED DANGEROUS, BUT COSTS OF REPLACING APPROACH VEHICLE VALUE.
Dec 29, 2020
FORD ESCAPES FROM THE 2001 THROUGH 2004 MODEL YEARS FOR CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE SUBFRAME CARRIES THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, STEERING GEAR AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND WHEELS FORD SAYS THE CORROSION CAN LEAD TO SEPARATION OF A CONTROL ARM -- PART OF THE SUSPENSION THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL AND TIRE IN THE RIGHT PLACE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON MY CAR. IT'S CORRODED BY A MECHANIC. THAN I READ THE USA TODAY 2014 ARTICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I JUST TOOK VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THE PART. ON MY CELL PHONE I CAN SUBMITT. ACCORDING TO THIS ARTICLE FORD KNEW ABOUT THIS. WHAT R MY OPTION TO GET THE REPAIR.
Aug 16, 2020
THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS BROKEN AND WOULD BE ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A DIRT ROAD , IT WAS A LITTLE BUMPY AND THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING DUE TO THE FRAME BREAKING. THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAS 124,000 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS HURT, BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THE FRAME OF N SUV COULD BREAK SO EASILY. *TR
Jun 30, 2020
+ 34 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
34 complaints
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND IT WAS STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED NEAR THE ABS BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,063.
Jul 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BOUNCED ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR RELEASED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ABS MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A WARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Apr 17, 2012
ABS LIGHT ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE KEEPS COMING ON....WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD ABOUT A RECALL ON THIS...ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE IN IT ONLY HAD IT FOR 37,000 MILES WHEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE....FORD DOES NOT NOTIFY CUSTOMERS OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TT
Aug 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL UNIT MODULE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRUALIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
Aug 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR THIRTY MINUTES WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE. THE HOOD WAS THEN RAISED AND FLAMES WERE ALSO COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE, BUT THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HIMSELF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT WHICH WAS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS LOCATED AT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND REPORT THEIR FINDINGS TO THE CONTACT. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER, NOR INSURANCE COMPANY WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Aug 16, 2011
+ 29 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
32 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Mar 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND SPUTTERING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO CHANGED WAS THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE COILS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILING. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE RUINED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Aug 01, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTTERED AND COMPLETELY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH UP AN INCLINE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE GASKET RECIRCULATOR WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH SPEED. AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGH SPEED SHE SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE GASKET RECIRCULATOR WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO SERVICED. IN MARCH 2010 WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND THE PEDAL HAD FALLEN TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,600.
Mar 22, 2010
I OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WITH A 6 CYLINDER ENGINE WHICH I BOUGHT NEW FROM HARROLD FORD IN SACRAMENTO 11/2002. I NOTICED A STRONG OIL BURNING SMELL. AND OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. I WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO HARROLD FORD ON 12/30/2009. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE OIL WAS LEAKING THRU THE OIL PAN, AND THAT FORD HAD A RETROFIT FOR THE PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A SEAL PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD NO, THE MATERIAL THE OIL PAN WAS MADE OF ALLOWED THE OIL TO EVENTUALLY START LEAKING DIRECTLY THRU THE MATERIAL. I ASKED IF THIS WAS A RECALL DUE TO THE FIRE DANGER, AND WAS TOLD NO. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AND THE OIL PAN WAS REPLACED. I KEPT THE OLD OIL PAN. *TR
Feb 18, 2010
+ 27 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
28 complaints
Never received a recall letter or notice
Sep 04, 2024
WHILE IN MOTION,ON TWO OF MY VEHICLES A 2003 AND A 2004 FORD ESCAPE ONE CYLINDER BLEW OUT THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL PACK (#5)ON BOTH VEHICLES I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE'S A RECALL ON ? SAME TYPE OF VEHICLES MODEL ONE YEAR APART.
Oct 08, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND SITTING IN HIS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ON HIS OWN, NO INJURIES OCCURRED AND NO FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. UPON INVESTIGATION THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WITH HIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A DEALER (APPLE FORD 3250 CAPE HORN RD, RED LION, PA 17356 717-429-0726) AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE/FIRE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Aug 20, 2019
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT NO ONE WAS IN IT. IT SOME HOW CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHEN WE GOT THE FIRE OUT AND TOWED TO THE SHOP, IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR THAT CAUSED THE FIRE AND DID SEVERAL $1000.00 DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR NO WARNING LIGHTS.
Aug 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING MORE THAN ONCE. THE RPMS RACED AND, AT TIMES, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD BECOME DIM UPON EXPERIENCING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR INTERNAL FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THESE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE RECALL DETAILS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *JS
May 19, 2017
+ 23 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
21 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE) THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT HOPKINS FORD OF ELGIN INC. LOCATED AT (1045 E CHICAGO ST, ELGIN, IL 60120) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE MOVED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CONTROL ARMS AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Mar 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CREATED AN ABNORMAL RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART FORD (4255 S HAMILTON RD, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, (614) 836-6260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW SUBFRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,703.
Mar 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB CHAPMAN FORD (1255 COLUMBUS AVE, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040, (937) 642-0015) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND SUBFRAME WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,000.
Jun 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY COULD NOT BE DRIVEN PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Nov 03, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND, UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, NOTICED CORROSION AND SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,207.
Sep 25, 2017
+ 16 more complaints for this component
TIRES
18 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER M+S SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 235/70R16. WHILE DRIVING OVER 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD, RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM AROUND THE TIRE, WHICH DAMAGED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND FRACTURED THE BULB. ALSO, THE REAR BUMPER AND BODY OF THE VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED NEAR THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. AAA ARRIVED AND REPLACED THE SHREDDED TIRE WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE REPAIR FACILITY AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO HEAR IF THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL. THE VIN AND TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
Nov 28, 2018
2003 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRES ISSUE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 33,000 MILES OF DRIVING, WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO HAVE AN 85,000 MILE TREAD WARRANTY. *JB
Mar 12, 2015
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, BACK TIRE BLEW OUT, CAR SPUN, LOST CONTROL, ROLLED X 2. CAR LANDED ON ROOF. DRIVER HAD MINER INJURIES, CUTS, BRUISES, TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, RELEASED FROM E.D. IN 2 HOURS.CAR IS TOTAL LOSS. TIRES ALL WITH MINIMAL WEAR, LOTS OF TREAD, WARRATIED FOR 60,000 MILES, THIS TIRE FAILED AT 30,000 MILES. *TR
Oct 18, 2011
IN AUGUST, 2009 I PURCHASED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLT FROM ECONOMY HONDA IN CHATTANOOGA, TN. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTITEC P235/70R16 TIRES ON IT. A ROUTINE OVERALL VEHICLE INSPECTION WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL LUBE SHOP TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND WHEN THE ATTENDANT PUT AIR IN THE TIRES, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND TREAD WAS PULLING AWAY FROM ALL FOUR TIRES AND ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE TOO FAR BEFORE I REPLACED THEM (I HAD PLANS TO GO TO NC THIS WEEKEND). THE FOLLOWING MORNING I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CONTINENTAL TIRE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE CONDITION OF THE TIRES AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT, WHICH I DID FOR $483.00. I SEE SEVERAL RECALLS OF CONTITEC TIRES ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR VARIOUS REASONS. COULD THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THESE TIRES. THE CAR ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IT ESPECIALLY UPSETS ME TO KNOW MY GRANDSON HAS BEEN IN THIS VEHICLE WITH ME RIDING ON POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TIRE. THANKS. *TR TAHONA TATE
Nov 21, 2009
RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE FAILED ON 2003 FORD ESCAPE. TIRES IN QUESTION ARE FIRESTONE DESTINATION LE, (DOT VN08, 0107) JUST DAYS AND ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE NEW. AFTER TIRE FAILURE VEHICLE ONE VEERED VIOLENTLY INTO LEFT LANE OF THE TWO LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE TWO COLLIDED WITH VEHICLE ONE SENDING VEHICLE ONE SKIDDING ON ITS DRIVERS SIDE BEFORE COMING TO A REST ON THE RIGHT BREAKDOWN LANE. TOTAL TIME WHEN VEHICLE ONE NOTICED A NOISE TO END OF INCIDENT WAS LESS THAN 1 MINUTE. NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, SPEED TRAVELING AT TIME OF MISHAP WAS APPROXIMATELY FOUR MPH ABOVE POSTED 70 MPH SPEED LIMIT. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90 DEGREES AMBIENT FAHRENHEIT ON A CLEAR VISIBLE DAY. TIRE IN QUESTION WERE PURCHASED AS A SET OF TWO TOTALLY FOUR JUNE 5, 2007 AND ACCIDENT OCCURRED JUNE 22, 2008. TIRE ROTATION IN OR AROUND 6000 MILES WAS PERFORMED AT PLACE OF PURCHASE. AIR PRESSURES WERE CHECKED AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH TIRE SIDEWALL SPECIFICATIONS. *TR
Jun 24, 2008
+ 13 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact's nephew stated while driving approximately 35 mph, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and fire started coming from under the hood. The fire department was called out however, the fire was extinguished before they arrived. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's sister’s residence. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Jul 09, 2021
MY TRANSMISSION HAS WENT OUT THE PREVIOUS OWNERS HAD A TRANSMISSION PUT IN 2013 WITH A THREE YEAR WARRANTY AND I BOUGHT THE CAR 2019 AND IT WENT OUT 2 MONTHS LATER. IT WILL BACK UP BUT WON'T GO FORWARD.
Apr 03, 2020
THE ENTIRE ENGINE SUB-FRAME REQUIRES REPLACEMENT DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE MECHANIC HAS INFORMED ME THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF STORIES OF FORD ESCAPE CORRODED ENGINE SUB FRAME. THERE IS CURRENT NO RECALL FROM FORD
Jun 19, 2018
THE ENGINE WILL STUTTER AND STALL (AFTER DRIVING FINE) AND WILL THEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. I LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES - IF THE CAR RESTARTS, IT WILL SHUT DOWN AGAIN WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKE. I HAD IT TOWED RECENTLY TO A SHOP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT HAPPENS OFF AND ON - I FOUND A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH PREVIOUS FORD ESCAPES AND THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2004, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED (IT WAS MADE AT THE SAME PLANT AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES. THIS HAPPENED TO MY HUSBAND IN A BUSY INTERSECTION AND HAPPENED TO ME IN A PARKING LOT - IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS.
May 14, 2018
ON OCTOBER 31ST I TOOK MY CAR IN TO FORD DELACY TO BE LOOKED AT FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE RECALL. WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN, THE FRONT TIRES WERE TILTED IN A DECENT AMOUNT AND MY STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED COMPLETELY. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN, THEY AGREED IT WAS NOT DRIVEABLE AND THAT THEY HAD TO TAKE PICTURES AND SEND THEM TO FORD AND GET THE OKAY ON WHAT TO DO AND IF I CAN GET THE RECALL. AFTER WAITING 10 DAYS, THEY FINALLY 'FIXED' IT BY JUST PUTTING A METAL CROSSBRACE ON TOP OF THE ALREADY ROTTED OUT SUBFRAME. AFTER LESS THAN A MONTH, MY SUBFRAME IS NOW POPPED OUT AGAIN AND MY WHEEL TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND TIRES TILTED AGAIN. I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR AGAIN. I WILL UPLOAD PICTURES OF THE METAL PIECE THAT SUPPOSEDLY 'FIXED' MY CAR.
Nov 19, 2017
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION
10 complaints
FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT AND SPLIT HALF WAY ACROSS PULLS VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 14S02 COMPLAINT
Jun 04, 2019
LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUB FRAME. HIGH CORROSION AREA. SEPARATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH GOING OVER HIGHWAY BRIDGE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TIPPED OUT AND SENT VEHICLE INTO A UNCONTROLLED SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. FORD'S RECALL 14S02 CROSS BRACE PATCH WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. I DON'T BELIEVE THE INSPECTION BY FORD WAS DONE PROPERLY WHEN THEY INSTALLED THE BRACE. IF THEY HAD THEY WOULD BE REPLACING THE SUB-FRAME ALSO.
Jul 23, 2018
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A HIGHWAY(60MPH) WHEN MY STEERING BECAME LOOSE, WEAVING LEFT AND RIGHT. HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 20MPH UNTIL I GOT HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME HAD BROKEN IN 2. FORD IS RECALLING 385,762 2001-'04 FORD ESCAPE SUVS BECAUSE A RUST PROBLEM MAY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN DIMINISHED STEERING CONTROL. FORD DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT CROSSBRACE ON THE AFFECTED ESCAPES. THE SUBFRAME HAS BROKEN APART DUE TO THE CORROSION, AND IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE FORD IS AWARE OF THIS, THEY SHOULD HAVE BOTH SUBFRAME REPLACE AS A RECALL AND NOT ADDING A CROSSBAR AS A RECALL. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR WAS TOO COSTLY.
Jan 15, 2016
MY WIFE OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE ROAD SHE NOTICED THE STEERING WAS GETTING UNCONTROLLABLE. SHE PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED AAA FOR A TOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MIDAS WHERE WE USUALLY HAVE OUR WORK DONE ON OUR VEHICLES. MIDAS LOOKED AT THE CAR WHILE STILL ON THE TOW TRUCK. THEY SAID THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL ON THE CAR. MIDAS CALLED WAIKEM FORD AND WAS TOLD TO TELL US TO BRING IT THERE. WE HAD THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TAKE IT THERE. THIS WAS ON 11/05/15. I WAS CALLED ON 11/6 AND TOLD THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THE CAR THAT DAY AND MONDAY 11/9 THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. THIS WAS IN A MESSAGE TO MY PHONE. MONDAY I RECEIVED ANOTHER MESSAGE FROM A GUY NAMED CRAIG THAT HE HAD TAKEN PICTURES OF THE PROBLEM AND SENT IT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THAT WAS ALL THE MESSAGE SAID. TUESDAY I RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM CRAIG THAT THE CAR WAS DONE AND WE COULD PICK IT UP ANYTIME. I TOOK MY WIFE OVER TO GET THE CAR AND SHE DROVE IT HOME WHICH IS THREE BLOCKS AWAY. SHE DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG DO TO THE SHORT TRIP AND SLOW SPEED. SATURDAY 11/14 SHE TOOK THE CAR OUT AND ONCE AGAIN THE STEERING FELT UNCONTROLLABLE. I WENT OVER TO WAIKEM FORD AND ASK WHY THE CAR WASN'T FIXED. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD DENIED THE FIX ON THE CAR. CROSS BRACE WAS INSTALLED WHICH IS WHAT THEY DO ON THE RECALL. HOW EVER THE FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS ATTACH AND THE CROSS BRACE DID NOTHING. THE CAR WAS RELEASED TO US WITHOUT BEING TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. WE WERE NOT TOLD FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD REJECTED THE REQUEST FOR REPAIR. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE CAR, AND FORD SHOULD HAVE AUTHORIZED THE FIX. FORD MOTOR COMPANIES DECISION ALONG WITH WAIKEM FORD RELEASING THAT CAR TO US PUT MY WIFE AND THE PUBLIC IN DANGER.
Nov 15, 2015
A RECALL ON OUR FORD ESCAPE WAS PERFORMED LAST AUGUST.THE RECALL WAS FOR RUSTED FRAME/CRADLE AREA THAT HOLDS FRONT SUSPENSION TOGETHER.AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CRADLE WAS WEAK AND VERY RUSTY OVER AND ABOVE ANY OTHER RUST ON CAR.THE DEALER INSTALLED A BRACE BETWEEN THE TWO RAILS OF THE FRAME AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE EXTENT OF THE RECALL.THE OTHER DAY WHILE DRIVING THE CRADLE GAVE OUT AND THE ENGINE,THE STEERING GEAR DROPPED DOWN A FEW INCHES RENDERING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE.I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BRACE NOT THE WEAK CRADLE. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN THIS RECALL STOP ANYONE FROM A WRECK OR DAMAGE WHEN THE ENTIRE CRADLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. THIS RECALL HAD TO BE APPROVED BY SOMEONE IM SURE. THIS BRACE WILL NOT STOP A CAR FROM BEING OUT OF CONTROL AT ANY GIVIN TIME AS THE CRADLE ROT WILL AFFECT A LOT MORE THAN JUST THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AREA.I UNDERSTAND ITS AN OLD CAR BUT FORD KNOWS THERE IS A SERIOUS RUST ISSUE WITH THIS PART.IF FORD AND THE NHTSA FEEL THIS BANDAID REPAIR IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR SAFETY OF MY FAMILY THEN I HAVE MY DOUBT ON WHETHER THERE IS ANYONE IN EITHER ORGANIZATION THAT KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT A CAR OR SAFETY AT ALL. *TR
Apr 08, 2015
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
8 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RANCH, SOMEONE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND FOUND THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS NOT TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,500.
Jul 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE A NEIGHBOR ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE REASON FOR THE FAILURE HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.
Apr 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PLUGS HAD POPPED OUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE COIL PACK. AS A RESULT, THE COIL PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 181,000.
Nov 27, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE THE EGR VALVE BLEW APART. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. IT WAS REPLACED ALL 3 TIMES AND IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. WHEN IT HAPPENS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND IS VERY HARD TO STEER. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE JOINED A FEW MESSAGE BOARDS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I FEEL THIS IS SOME TYPE OF INTERNAL PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE. *TR
Oct 03, 2013
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING RUST HOUR TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. I TRIED TO SLOWDOWN BY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO MOVE TO THE SLOW LANE (2 LANES TO THE RIGHT) TO GET TO THE SHOULDER.I HAD TO LITERALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY WHOLE WEIGHT ON THE PEDDLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND STOP BY FORCING THE GEAR LEVER IN TO PARK POSITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE ENGINE ACCELERATION. *TR
Apr 22, 2013
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
8 complaints
THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Oct 08, 2017
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS CRACKED AND FORD HAD A RECALL IN PLACE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. INSTEAD, THEY PUT A CROSS-BAR ON THE CRACKED SUB FRAME BECAUSE THEY DETERMINED IT WAS "NOT BROKEN" ONLY "CRACKED". THE SUB FRAME HAD "RUSTED AND CORRODED" DUE TO FORD'S OWN ADMITTANCE OF "FAULTY PARTS". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND AGAIN THEY STATED "NO". I ASKED IF THIS WAS A "BANDAID" THAT THEY PUT ON TO MAKE THEMSELVES FEEL BETTER ABOUT THE FACT THAT ANYONE OPERATING THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE TOTAL CONTROL. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER, WHO TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. HE DID STATE HE WOULD MAKES SOME CALLS AND CALLED ME A DAY OR TWO LATER TO SAY, THAT HIS MANAGER SAID IF I WANTED THE VEHICLE FIXED, I COULD PAY $1,200 FOR THE PART AND AN ADDITIONAL $600-$800 IN LABOR TO FIX THE VEHICLE, OR I COULD TRADE IT IN. I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED THAT FORD WILL NOT BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 65,000 MILES ON IT!
Aug 12, 2016
STEERING LOSE WITH LITTLE CONTROL. MECHANIC STATES A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN FRAME. MATCHES FORD RECALL 14S02. YET RECALL WAS PERFORMED JUNE 2014. SO SAFETY RECALL FAILED.
Oct 19, 2015
VEHICLE WENT IN FOR CONTROL ARM BRACE RECALL IN 2014 DUE TO POOR METZL USED ON THE SUBFRAME, MARCH OF 2015 IT FAILED LEAVING LIMITED CONTROL OF STEERING, FORD WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROL ARM RECALL AND TO CONTACT THE DEALER. THEY SAID THEY DID WHAT THEY WERE TOLD TO DO AND THE ROTTED SUBFRAME WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THE SUBFRAME PART BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Mar 26, 2015
I AM WRITING ABOUT A RECALL FOR MY FORD ESCAPE. THIS RECALL INCLUDED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND THE SUBFRAME. THEY WERE BEING RECALLED FOR CORROSION ON THE CONTROL ARMS AND IF SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME IT COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT STEERING LOSS AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND INCREASING CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL FIX, THEY INSTALLED A REINFORCEMENT PART AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. AFTER THIS, SLOWLY, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED BECOMING COCK-EYED. AFTER DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR A FEW DAYS,I NOTICED THAT AFTER I TAKE A LEFT TURN THE CAR WOULD JERK AS THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENED. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT FIXED THE RECALL, SINCE THE RECALL CLEARLY STATED THAT IT COULD LOSE STEERING CONTROL AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN, THINKING THAT HE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY OR SOMETHING ELSE TO DO WITH THE RECALL IS FAILING. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. AND THAT IT WOULD COST 1800 DOLLARS TO FIX. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE STEERING IS EFFECTED, THEY SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME WASN'T INCLUDED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL DOCUMENTS ABOUT THIS RECALL AND SEVERAL OF THEM STATE THAT THE SUBFRAME IS INCLUDED. SO I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDED THE SUBFRAME IF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM IT BEFORE THE RECALL WAS FIXED NOT AFTER. I THINK THIS IS SO UNFAIR, SINCE CLEARLY THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED WHEN THEY DID THE RECALL FIX. THEY HAD TO HAVE SEEN THAT, JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T SEPARATED AT THE TIME DOESN'T MEAN IT SHOULDN'T BE INCLUDED. ANYWAY, I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO MY OWN MECHANIC WHO CAN FIX IT FOR ALOT LESS, BUT IT IS STILL COSTING ME 1400 DOLLARS!! I CAN'T AFFORD IT, CAN SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS, I THINK IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE, AND THAT THE SUB FRAME SHOULD BE INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP, THANKS. RECALL 14S02. *TR
Jul 30, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STEERING
8 complaints
WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT MY CAR STEERING ITSELF SHARPLY. I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TO STRAIGHT. AS I WAS DOING THIS, I HEARD A CRACK. I HAVE BEEN HEARING SIMILAR CRACKS IN THE PAST MONTHS WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS AT SLOW SPEEDS. I CAME UPON RECALL #14S02. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO APPLE FORD IN APPLE VALLEY, MN TO GET MY BRACE INSTALLED. MY TECH SAID THE CARS SUB FRAME FAILED INSPECTION. THE FRAME WAS SO BAD YOU COULD STICK A PEN THOUGH IT. HE SUBMITTED PHOTOS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO GET A NEW FRAME APPROVED. FORD DENIED THE REPAIR AS THE SUB FRAME IS NOT BROKEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THIS FIX IS ON THE CUSTOMER FOR $2200. I CANNOT PAY THAT. I ASKED, SINCE MY FRAME WAS SO BAD IF IT WAS SAFE? IT WAS RECOMMENDED I STAY OFF THE HIGHWAY, OR STAY UNDER 60 MPH. THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR ANYMORE. I UNDERSTAND THAT FORD IS ONLY LEGALLY LIABLE FOR THE SOLUTION THEY CAME UP WITH AS A FIX THAT THE NHTSA APPROVES. THAT IS THE BRACE ONLY. PLEASE LOOK INTO MAKING FORD REPLACE SIGNIFICANT CORROSION TO THE FRAME INSTEAD OF A COMPLETE BREAK. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DRIVE AS NORMAL WITH THIS RECALL FIX. NOW, I HAVE A CAR THAT I WANT TO GET RID OF. WHO WILL WANT TO BUY THIS CAR FOR WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH IF IT WAS 100% ROAD WORTHY? PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THIS RECALL. I HAVE REPAIR DOCUMENTS AND MY FORD TECHNICIAN SAYS HE WILL BE HAPPY TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE WHO NEEDS HIS INPUT. HE WAS VERY SURPRISED THE REPAIR WAS DENIED DUE TO THE POOR CONDITION.
Sep 18, 2015
SEVERE CORROSION CAUSED STEERING FAILURE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN JUNE 2014 FOR RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT SEVER CORROSION MAY CAUSE STEERING FAILURE. THEY INSTALLED A NEW BRACKET. APPARENTLY THE NEW BRACKET DID NOT HELP BECAUSE IT STILL FAILED 6 MONTHS LATER. LOVE DRIVING A CAR YOU CAN NOT STEER SAFELY. FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO ACTUALLY MAKE THEIR CAR SAFE. IT IS HEADING TO THE JUNKYARD WITH 46,000 MILES ON IT. CASE 5501030 DENIED BY FORD. IF YOU ARE DRIVING AN ESCAPE, LOOK OUT. IT WILL FAIL AND FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP YOU. YOU MAY DIE. *TR
Nov 10, 2014
HI, I TOOK MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A RECALL FIXED AND SINCE THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAS GOTTEN WORSE, THE RECALL WAS FOR A STEERING STABILIZER AND MY STEERING HAS GOTTEN MORE WOBBLY....I HAVE EMAIL BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPANY AND SO FAR NOTHING AND THAT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JUNE. THANK YOU. *TR
Jul 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTICE 14V165000 (STEERING) IN MAY 2014 AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME.
Jun 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD SNAP AND A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND CONTINUED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE A FRAME WAS CORRODED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ABS AND THE TIE ROD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Oct 03, 2012
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STEERING,STRUCTURE
7 complaints
MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE FORD RECALL # 14S02 AND A CROSS BRACE WAS INSTALLED. THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A SUBFRAME CORRODING AWAY IN SOME PARTS OF THE US INCLUDING MY REGION. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT FORD DID NOT CORRECTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR CROSS BRACE. THEY SIMPLY BOLTED A CROSS BRACE FROM ONE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE OTHER AND IT DOES NOTHING WHEN THE SUBFRAME ACTUALLY CORRODES AWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO NOT GET IN AN ACCIDENT A WEEK AGO WHEN MY FRAME THAT HAS THE CROSS BAR INSTALLED FINALLY GAVE WAY AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CROSS BRACE AND SUBFRAME THAT HAS CORRODED TO NOTHING. FORD HAS CLAIMED THAT SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND MAKE FORD ACTUALLY FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST MOMENTS DRIVING THAT I HAVE EVER HAD. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY 7 YR OLD SON IN THE CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOSE STEERING ALMOST ALL TOGETHER. THANKFULLY I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES THAT DAY. IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED THEN I'M AFRAID MANY PEOPLE WILL BE HURT.
Jun 04, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 17653427. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,907.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*JS
Aug 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE AND THERE WAS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (ARLINGTON HEIGHTS FORD LOCATED AT 801 W DUNDEE RD ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004, 888 481-8607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A BRACE. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (FOX FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 2501 N ELSTON AVE CHICAGO, IL 60647 773-687-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBERS: CASDASH12577845 AND CAS12593478. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Jul 06, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND THE ATTACHMENT AREA AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Dec 07, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEWLY DESIGNED REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT COMPLETE A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION PRESENT. THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS AN ENFORCED PROCEDURE PER THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WAS INCLUDED IN THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE STEERING BECAME AFFECTED DUE TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 18, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
7 complaints
I HAVE BEEN HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY HITCH NOT WANTING TO OPEN I HAVE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK MULTIPLE TIMES OR TURN CAR ON GO IN REVERSE THEN FORWARD AND PUT IN PARK SHUT CAR OFF SOME TIMES MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE IT WILL ALLOW ME TO OPEN IT. LAST FALL (2014) MY HINGE THAT HOLDS MY WINDOW ON FELL OUT. AND AROUND THE SAME TIME I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY BACK DRIVERSIDE DOOR NOT OPENING DUE TO THE LOCK GETTING STUCK IT IS NOW COMPLETELY UNUSABLE UNTIL I FIND SOME ONE TO FIX IT I HAVE SEEN ON MANY SITES THIS ISSUE WITH RECALL CODE 04V6020000 DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT 12/23/2004 RECALL BEGIN DATE 3/31/2005 BUT WHEN I CALLED FORD THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE LIST BUT HERE IS THE SAME ISSUE?!?!? *TR
Feb 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCHES AND LOCKS ON THREE OF THE DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS THE ONLY DOOR THAT WAS OPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Jun 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAR LIFTGATE AND RETRIEVING AN ITEM FROM THE BACK SEAT, THE LIFT GATE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V602000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) RECALL, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,995 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Aug 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LATCH WOULD SPORADICALLY OPEN INDEPENDENTLY. IN WARMER TEMPERATURES, THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Feb 25, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V602000, LATCHES, LOCKS LINKAGES, DOORS LATCH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
May 11, 2010
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY TO PARK, THERE WAS SMOKE PRESENT. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE HOOD WHEN A FIRE WAS DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT GRABBED A WATER HOSE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR WAS MELTED ALONG WITH WIRES. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT WAS PREGNANT AND HAD HER 4-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THERE WAS A RECORDING STATING THAT NO CALLS WERE BEING ACCEPTED AT THE MOMENT. THE LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN DEALER INFORMATION) WAS THEN CALLED WHERE THEY MENTIONED THAT NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE06048 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
Jul 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AFTER THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 127,000.
Jul 03, 2014
WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 30 MINUTES PRIOR. WE WERE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC UNTIL LEAVING THE FREEWAY 1 LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. WHEN MY DAUGHTER TRIED TO USE THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. WHEN SHE PUMPED THEM NUMEROUS TIMES, THERE WASN'T ANY CHANGE. SHE DIDN'T HAVE ANY BRAKES. SHE REAR ENDED MY NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM THE SAME DEALERSHIP. POLICE WERE AT THE LIGHT WHERE SHE REARENDED ME. THEY CONFIRMED NO BRAKES, MY HUSBAND DID, THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOO. WHEN IT WAS RECEIVED TO THE BODY SHOP ON MONDAY MORNING THE BRAKES WERE VERY SOFT ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN. AFTER SITTING FOR A WEEK, THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. THEY CANT DETERMINE WHY THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS THE FIRST CALL I MADE AT THE ACCIDENT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY KNOW IT HAD LEGAL BRAKES. COME TO FIND OUT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS BLACK AND HAS AN OUTSTANDING RECALL WITH THE ABS THAT HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THERE IS ALSO A RECALL ON CERTAIN MASTER CYLINDERS WHICH WERE FAULTY/LEAKING AND THE STOCK NUMBERS. UNFORTUNATELY THE STOCK NUMBER WAS REMOVED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE HAVE A VEHICLE THAT NEVER EVEN MADE IT TO OUR HOME THAT IS NOW TOTALED. THE DEALERSHIP IS ONLY GOING TO "MAKE IT RIGHT" WITH PROOF THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE POLICE REPORT STATES SUCH AND I HAVE THE REPORT FROM THE BODYSHOP, BUT AFTER WAITING FOR THE INSURANCE TO HAVE THE TEST DONE, THEY CANT CONFIRM LOSS OF BRAKES. THEY CAN ONLY STATE THE FLUID BEING BLACK. WE NOW ARE HAVING TO FIGHT TO NOT LOSE OUR TRADE IN VALUE AND TO NOT HAVE A REPORTABLE ACCIDENT AGAINST MY DAUGHTER VS A MECHANICAL FAILURE. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE INSURANCE ARE NOT MAKING THIS EASY. THE MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE I EVER OWNED FOR 30 MINUTES IS ALL I CAN SAY. *TR
Feb 18, 2014
LOSS OF USE OF BRAKES WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. JAMMING THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP, BUT WAS VERY SLOW TO RESPOND. MECHANIC INSPECTED HOSES AND LINES AND FOUND THE PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE HOSE TO BE SPLIT AND LEAKING. THIS WAS A HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE AS I HAD MY YOUNG KIDS IN THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT STOPPING FROM A FASTER VELOCITY WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURRED. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE TIGHT BENDS IN THE BRAKE HOSE(S) ON THIS MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE MAY BE A FACTOR FOR HIS HAPPENING TO VARIOUS CONSUMERS, SO THIS IS WORTH INVESTIGATING. *TR
Jun 05, 2013
THE FRONT BRAKE LINE HOSES BLEW OUT (R & L) WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS INEFFECTIVE IN SLOWING THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS TRAVELING DOWN HILL. WITH NO MEANS OF SLOWING, THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET ON LEVEL GROUND WHERE IT WAS MORE CONTROLLABLE AND COULD BE STOPPED MORE EASILY. THE PARKING LOT WAS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND A CHOICE HAD TO BE MADE TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING OR DRIVE OFF THE EDGE OF THE PARKING LOT TO ANOTHER LOT THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET LOWER. THE 2ND OPTION WAS CHOSEN. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAD LANDED WITH GREAT FORCE, IT WAS DIRECTED UPHILL WHERE IT EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AND PUT INTO PARK. UNFORTUNATELY, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRAME AND UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING OIL PAN, EXHAUST SYSTEM, ENGINE MOUNTS, RADIATOR SUPPORT FRAME AND UNDER BODY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTING POINTS. I WAS TOLD BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER, THE FIRESTONE AUTO CENTER AND FOUND IN OTHER RESEARCH THAT FORD ESCAPES ARE KNOWN FOR RUBBER BRAKE LINE FAILURES. I HAVE HAD VEHICLES MUCH OLDER THAN THIS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A RUBBER BRAKE LINE DRY ROT AND RUPTURE LIKE THESE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE MORE DAMAGE IS DONE AND MORE PEOPLE INJURED OR WORSE. WE WERE LUCKY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. SAFETY ISSUES LIKE THIS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED WITH AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. *TR
Apr 10, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
THIS VEHICLE HAS A BAD MISFIRE PROBLEM,ROUGH IDLE AS WELL AS BAD HITCHING ON HIGHWAY. LOOKED IT UP ON YAHOO ANSWERS AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. I'M HEARING FAULTY COMPUTERS. *TR
Feb 27, 2012
I HAVE A FORD 2003 ESCAPE 6 CYL. BOUGHT IN MAY OF 2004 NEW - 76 MILES ON IT TEST DRIVEN FROM A DEALER IN SCHULENBURG, TX - THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - THE PCM COMPUTER WENT OUT AND BLEW A SPARK PLUG ON 1/16/2011 - I HAD TO REPLACE THE PCM (WHICH I WAS TOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE) SINCE THIS SHOULD NEVER GO OUT ON THE CAR. THE MILEAGE WAS ONLY 43,625 ON 1/16/2011 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE THE CAR FOR 7-8 YRS. NOW. I HAD TO REPLACE THE PCM WITH A REMANUFACTURED (SINCE IT WOULD COST WAY MORE FOR A NEW ONE) PCM - ELECTRONIC IGNITION COSTING ME JUST OVER $2,100. AGAIN, THIS PART WAS INTENDED TO NEVER GO OUT FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR, PERIOD. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON FORD MOTOR COMPANIES PART - AND I WAS TOLD TO COMPLAIN AND RECORD THIS TO NHTSA AS OTHERS HAVE, AND IF ENOUGH DO, THEY WOULD HAVE TO RECALL. I AM NOT SURE IF I AM IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO PLACE THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Apr 15, 2011
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK
Apr 06, 2007
I HAD A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THAT STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING. IT WAS USUALLY WHEN I HAD LEFT THE VEHICLE FOR 8 OR MORE HOURS. I WOULD TRY TO START IT AND IT WOULD HESITATE AND TAKE A WHILE TO START IT. AFTER A FEW TRIES IT WOULD JERK BACK AT ME AND START. THIS WAS A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2-MONTHS. ON MAY 26, 2006 I LEFT MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. IT WAS THE FIRST REALLY HOT DAY (90+ DEGREES) OF THE YEAR. WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR IT HESITATED WHEN I CRANKED IT. I CRANKED IT AGAIN AND IT POPPED BACK AND ME AND THEN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD (BURNING MY FINGER IN THE PROCESS) AND FOUND PARTS AND PIECES EVERYWHERE. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD BLEW APART. THE DEALER NEVER GAVE US A REASON WHY (WE PUSHED BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AND THAT THE ENGINEER WAS ON VACATION). WE HAD THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FIXED AND IT COST US A LOT OF MONEY OUT-OF-POCKET. I ASKED THEM FOR THE OLD UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD BACK, BUT THEY WOULDN'T GIVE IT BACK. I WAS ALWAYS INTENDING TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FORD WAS 3-YEARS OLD WITH 54,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, ALTHOUGH THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY PART THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM? IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT WAS N A HORRIBLE MISFIRE, BUT WE AREN'T SURE. I DO KNOW THAT IT SCARED ME AND COULD HAVE HURT SOMEONE. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR 2-MONTHS WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AGAIN WHEN I STARTED IT. I WAS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AND THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS UNRELATED BUT I COULD PAY (AGAIN) TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I STARTED HAVING PANIC ATTACKS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, SO WE TRADED IT IN. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AND TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. *NM
Dec 02, 2006
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 91 IN MASS. MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THIS WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED ORIGINAL PLUG . THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4 TRITON ENGINE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. RE-THREADING THE ENGINE HEAD, REPLACE THE DAMAGED COIL PACK AND A NEW SPARK PLUG. WITH LABOR MY BILL WAS OVER $700. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TOW FEE AND A NIGHT AT A LOCAL HOTEL (WE WERE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF STATE ON VACATION). UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE READ DOZENS AND DOZENS OF STORIES LIKE MINE INVOLVING THIS TRITON CLASS ENGINE BUILT BY FORD. A SPARK PLUG SHOULD NOT BE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK PERIOD. WHEN DOZENS AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE WRITE IN TO SAY THEIR FORD MUSTANG, F150, EXPEDITION, F250, OR EXCURSION HAS BLOWN OUT A PLUG THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. *NM
Aug 09, 2005
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
JUST AS I PARKED MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE IN MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A HUGE CRASHING SOUND. THE BACK WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. I CALLED FORD COMPANY OF CANADA. WHILE, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT WAS A DEFECT AND A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR ($360) SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MAN WHO FIXED THE WINDSHIELD TOLD ME THAT THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODING HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE FORD ESCAPE--- MORE THAN ANY OTHER CAR/TRUCK/SUV ON THE ROAD TODAY. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? *TR
Jan 16, 2010
I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS AND DECIDED TO WASH POLLEN OFF CAR. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN, SO I JUST "SPRINKLED" WATER ON THE CAR AND WHEN IT HIT THE SUNROOF, I HEARD A POP. LOOKING AT TOP OF SUNROOF I SAW NOTHING UNUSUAL. WHEN I OPENED THE INSIDE ROOF, I SAW THE GLASS WAS ALL SPLINTERED. AS I CLOSED THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE GLASS ALL FELL ONTO THE INSIDE ROOF. GUY AT FORD TOLD ME I MUST'VE HAD A CRACK IN THE SUNROOF & WHEN THE WATER HIT, IT SHATTERED. MY WINDSHIELD DID HAVE A CRACK IN IT, AND THAT DIDN'T SHATTER SO THAT BLOWS THAT THEORY! 70 DEGREES THAT DAY.
Jun 07, 2007
FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR
May 27, 2007
SITTING IN VEHICLE IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND HEARD LOUD POP SOUND. I NOTICED THE REAR WINDOW HAD SHATTERED. I LATER CONCLUDED THAT THE REAR WINDOW SHOCKS HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED THE REAR WINDOW.
Jul 02, 2005
THE SUNROOF COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE CONSUMER STATED PIECES OF GLASS FELL INTO THE FRONT SEAT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB
Nov 24, 2003
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK EVEN THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. IN 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE AFTER THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE IDLE AIR CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN UPDATED 10/06/2017*CN
Apr 21, 2015
AS I WAS DRIVING, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF THE WAY TO PASS A VEHICLE. WHEN I RELEASED THE PEDAL- THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP AFTER PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND FIRMLY APPLYING THE BRAKES. AS I CAME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS BEGINNING TO SMOKE, AND I FEARED IT WAS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT FULL THROTTLE. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WORSE AND THEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE MOTOR STOPPED AND A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL AND METAL WAS ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FROM FORD DUE TO A THROTTLE CABLE STICKING. FORD HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE CAUSED TO MY VEHICLE CAUSED BY AN ACTIVE RECALL. *TR
Sep 04, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE, SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE SPEED ACCELERATION FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Oct 09, 2013
UPON START-UP THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED TO 4000 TO 5000 RPM & WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. GAS PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. MOVING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT. CAR WAS SHUT OFF. REACHING BY HAND TO THE END OF THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WHERE THE THROTTLE CABLE IS ATTACHED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CABLE DID NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. BY PUSHING THE END OF THE CABLE THE THROTTLE RETURNED TO IDLE. THE CAR WAS STARTED & RAN AT NORMAL IDLE SPEED. *TR
Apr 12, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON, HAD FORD DEALER CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM, INFORM OF THE DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELTS HARNESS IS NOT WORKING UP TO STANDER. IF I GOT INTO A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT HOLD ME BACK. *TR
Jun 03, 2014
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REPEATEDLY FLASHES WARNING CODE#47. LIC MECH CAN CLEAN CONNECTOR CONTACTS AND RESET COMPUTER CODE BUT IF WON'T RESET, BAG(S) MAY NOT DEPLOY. MECH ADVISES PROB IS WELL KNOWN OCCURRENCE W/ 1999-2005 FORD ESCAPES. CODES#46/47 (DRIVERS SEAT/RT FRT PASSENGER SEAT) APPEARING AS A RESULT OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESSES FOR AIRBAG/PRETENSIONER SEAT BELT SYSTEM. ONLY FIX IF LIGHT STAYS ON AND CAN'T BE RESET IS TO REPLACE WIRE HARNESSES; COST $550+ (MUST REMOVE SEATS, PULL UP CARPET TO GAIN ACCESS TO HARNESS AND REPLACE SAME) . NHTSA INVESTIGATED ISSUE IN 1999 (ACTION# SQ99026 NOV.'99-MAY.-2000) BUT CLOSED CASE WITH NO FURTHER ACTION. INTERNET INQUIRY INDICATES LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ABOVE AND ALSO FAILURE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN ACCIDENTS. INTERNET INDICATES ISSUE INVOLVES MAZDA TRIBUTES ALSO AS FORD ASSOCIATED WITH MAZDA AND USES SAME HARNESS AND SYSTEM. FORD APPARENTLY HAS A REPLACEMENT HARNESS TO FIX PROBLEM BUT OWNERS MUST PAY FOR PART AND LABOR AS FORD DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *JS
Apr 17, 2012
WE HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS CAME ON AND WENT OFF SPORADICALLY IN THE PAST 3 YEARS BUT WENT OUT. THIS TIME IT HAS STAYED ON SO WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THE SEAT BELT WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH THE FRONT SEATS WAS BAD AND IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN WATER SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE WIRES TO BE BAD OTHER THEN THEY WHERE INADEQUATE TO BEGIN WITH. THEY SAID TO FIX IT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE SEATS PULL THE CARPET BACK AND REPLACE THE HARNESSES. *TR
Feb 20, 2011
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE HAD A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS INJURED WITH A STERNUM FRACTURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EVACUATED THE DRIVER TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS FAILURE OCCURRED.
Jun 16, 2006
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
MY VEHICLE WAS SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON 4/14/2017 AND THE NEIGHBOR CAME POUNDING ON MY DOOR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HE TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT TO AVOID THE FIRE FROM REACHING THE GAS TANK AND ALSO SPRAYING THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE TO TRY TO KEEP IT FROM CATCHING THE SIDING ON FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW UP SO HE DROPPED THE HOSE AND RAN.WHEN THE FIRE DEPT GOT HERE IT HAD ALREADY BURNED MY VEHICLE ALL THE WAY UP AND MELTED THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE. THE FIRE CHIEF WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE OF THE WAY EVERYTHING WAS BURNED! NOTHING WAS LEFT BUT THE 2 REAR TIRES AND WHEELS AND THE 2 BACK TAIL LIGHT LENS. I HAD DROVE IT 2 1/2 HRS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED SO THE MOTOR WAS ALREADY COOLED OFF! I'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS BUT NONE TO BE FOUND ON THIS YR MODEL. I ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH RECALL CENTER AND WITH FORD MOTOR CORPORATION.ALL THEY SAID WAS I WOULD RECEIVE THE REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT 15 DAYS. IT'S BEEN 11 DAYS NOW AND STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING! COMPLAINT #: 10978773 (FORD CORP) FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT #: 17-1703168....KEITH FITCH. FIRE CHIEF...
Apr 25, 2017
THE ASH GOLD PAINT IS BUBBLING ALL OVER THE OUTSIDE ROOF REAR DOOR SIDES (ALL OVER) THE CAR TO INCLUDE THE INTERIOR. THE ROOF HAS RUSTED AND FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING. I WENT TO TWO FORD DEALERS IN SAN DIEGO AND CALLED FORD DIRECT. THE PASSED ME OVER TO THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMIN HOTLINE THAT TOLD ME TO CALL FORD, THEY WILL HANDLE THE COMPLAINT. EVERYDAY MORE PAINT PEELS OFF.
Feb 16, 2016
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THREE MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BLOCK OF PAINT CHIPPING OFF OF THE HOOD. WEEKS LATER, THE CONDITION BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE PAINT BEGAN BUBBLING AND CHIPPING EXCESSIVELY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO WASH THE VEHICLE THE PAINT WILL COME OFF. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,000. UPDATE 06/10/08 *BF UPDATED 06/10/08
May 20, 2008
STEERING,WHEELS
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Feb 19, 2016
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND THE FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF THE TRUCK. THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART AND WE HAD THE SERVICE COMPLETED. FORD ADDED A CROSS MEMBER TO THE PART AS THE PARTS WERE RUSTING. THIS WAS DONE WITHIN THE YEAR. THE TRUCK IS NOW AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I AM GRATEFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT HOWEVER THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. A YEAR EARLIER DURING A SERVICE VISIT A FORD CERTIFIED MECHANIC FORGOT TO PUT A BOLT BACK ON. THAT DEALERSHIP DID PAY TO HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED AND APOLOGIZED. AGAIN IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT.
Jul 08, 2015
THE ENCLOSED FORM WITH THE THINGS FIXED SHOULD HELP. I WAS TURNING AND THE WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT SO NOTHING WAS HIT OR HURT. *TR
Jul 23, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
WHILE I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM THE SHOOTING RANGE THE ENGINE DID A HESITATION AND THEN WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS TO SEE IF IT WOULD CLEAR UP THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WENT HAYWIRE. THE FUEL, SPEED, RPM AND HEATING CLUSTER LEVEL ARMS ALL WENT TO THE MAX POINT AND WHEN I LET OFF THE ACCELERATION TO PULL OVER THE CLUSTER PANEL GAUGES DIED LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER AND WHEN THE ENGINE IDLE LEVELED OFF THE GAUGES WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DID IT 4 MORE TIMES BEFORE I ACTUALLY GOT HOME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT TO WORK AND THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE WITH THIS? I NEED TO KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANKS.
Jun 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. A POLICE OFFICER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
May 18, 2015
MY 2003 FOR ESCAPE REFUSES TO START AFTER BEING DRIVEN UNTIL SEVERAL HOURS IF NOT DAYS LATER. I HAVE REPLACED THE STARTER TWICE THE FIRST TIME IT WORKED FOR 2 MONTHS AND IT DID IT AGAIN ON 9-2-14 REPLACED THE STARTER AGAIN AND IT WILL NOT START STILL THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO ANY OF THE ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. I HAVE REPLACED ALL RELAYS AND FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. I WAS STRANDED WITH MY 5 MONTH OLD AND 16 MONTH OLD IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER. *TR
Sep 03, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE LATER STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION FAILURE BY FORCEFULLY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE CLEANED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR
Mar 06, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE RPM INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR..UPDATED 06/24/13 *BF UPDATED 06/28/2013 *JS
Apr 29, 2013
I HAVE COMPLAINED TWICE BEFORE ABOUT MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS NOW DONE IT A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS. THE MOST UNNERVING WAS WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 15 MPH. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED AND BUCKED INTO AN INTERSECTION ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I CONTACTED THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND EXPRESSED MY SAFETY CONCERNS, AND I WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS NOT REPRODUCABLE THEY DO NOT FEEL THAT THEY ARE IN A POSITION TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. MY DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPRODUCE THE STALL AND ARE UNABLE, AS AM I. THEY HAVE PERFORMED A TSB, INSTALLED A NEW THROTTLE BODY AND A NEW CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. I NOW HAVE A VDR IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE THIRD TIME. THIS VEHICLE IS A MAJOR DANGER TO MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS AND ANYONE WHO IS AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN IT MAY STALL DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN I LOSE ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I DO NOT TRUST THE VEHICLE AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN IT.*AK
Aug 13, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
MY CAR IS MISFIRING AND STALLING ON DE-ACCELERATION (WHEN WE SLOW DOWN). IT STARTED RECENTLY. FIRST IT HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WE HAD IT TESTED BY A MECHANIC WITH THE ELECTRICAL READER AND IT SAID WE NEEDED A NEW COIL. WE REPLACED THE COIL, DID A FULL TUNE UP AND IT STILL IS NOT WORKING. AFTER MANY HOURS OF RESEARCH WE SEE THAT THE FORD ESCAPE PCM HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE HAD THIS PROBLEM. I CALL FORD AND THEY TELL ME MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT PARTICULAR RECALL. HOWEVER, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPE. WHAT I AM TO DO? DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THIS AND RISK IT STALLING IN AN INTERSECTION OR ON A HILL AND HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH? FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED OVER THE YEARS. *TR
Oct 01, 2012
FORD IS NOT ALLOWING MY CAR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL: 04S13 FOR POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RE-CALIBRATION. I HAVE NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY ARE SAYING THEY NEVER MISS A VEHICLE THAT GETS RECALLED. MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED MORE THAN 7 TIMES WHEN DECELERATING UNDER 40PMH. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR INTO A MECHANIC TWO TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERYTIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *TR
Dec 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING UNDER 40 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. SAFETY RECALL # 04V165000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)) DOES NOT APPLY TO THE VIN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,000. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Jun 05, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
3 complaints
SUDDEN ABS FAILURE SMALL ACCIDENT.TOOK ABS RELAY OUT AFTER THIS BRAKES WORK FINE. *JS
Apr 19, 2012
URGENT RECALL NOTICE, I RECEIVED ON MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE AFTER RESEARCH ON THE RECALL VEHICLE, I BELIEVE THIS CAUSED MY DAUGHTER ACCIDENT, SHE ROLLED THIS VEHICLE. I M VERY ANGRY THAT I HAVE FOLLOWED THE LAW IN RESPONEDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE AND WHEN I EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS I WAS TOLD SOMEONE WAS GOING TO CONACT ME. THIS HAS NOT HAPPEN. NO DEATHS BUT PROPERTY DAMAGE YES ( PAYING FOR AVEHICAL) I HAVE SITTING IN MY BACK YARD THAT I M STILL PAYING FOR.BRING A SINGLE MOTHER, THIS HARDSHIP, I PAID 14,000.00 AND IT ONLY HAS 60 THOUSAND MILES. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND I WILL HAVE THIS VEHICLE CHECKED OUT MYSELF AND TALK TO AN ATTORNEY. NOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME ON WHAT I SHOULD DO NEXT, I WOULD BE THANKFUL . *CN
Jan 29, 2008
WHILE ON A RETURN LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP MY ABS DASH LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE LIGHT DID NOT RETURN UNTIL FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY DETERMINED THAT A SPEED SENSOR HAD GONE BAD.*AK
Dec 15, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE CORRODED. ONE OF THE STRAPS WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS PARTIALLY ATTACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 11/07/11
Aug 08, 2011
FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE. AFTER FILLING UP THE INDICATOR READS EMPTY. TWICE WE HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THE INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THERE IS STILL GAS IN THE TANK. DEALER RECOMMENDED USING TECHRON TO HELP CLEAN THE INDICATOR. HOWEVER, AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS WITH TECHRON TODAY, THE FUEL INDICATOR SHOWED EMPTY. THIS HAS BEEN AND ONGOING PROBLEM FOR NEARLY A YEAR NOW. *JB
Sep 08, 2006
AT THIS TIME I CAN DO NOT HAVE A FAILURE, ONLY A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, ANYTIME WHILE MY 2003 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION IS TURNED ON, A LOUD "TIN-SOUNDING-POP" OCCURS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL TANK BUT I CAN NOT BE SURE WHAT IT IS. IN THE PAST MONTH, THE SOUND HAS GOTTEN LOUDER & LOUDER -- EVEN MORE FREQUENT. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE SOUND IS -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS LEFT A TIN CAN OUTSIDE AND WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES FROM HOT TO COLD OR COLD TO HOT, THE TIN CAN "POPS" AS ITS CONTRACTING OR EXPANDING. NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR COMPUTERIZED MESSAGES COME ON. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE -- I BOUGHT IT NEW IN SEP 2003. *NM
Oct 18, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The owner disconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the owner that the ABS module and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Jun 29, 2023
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
May 18, 2005
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
SENSE WE BOUGHT THIS 2003 FORD ESCAPE WE HAVE REPLACED 5 ALTENATORS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS .3 NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCHES. AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE THE SAME REASON FOR THE RECALL BUT MY CAR IS JUST A MONTH NEWER GO FIGURE
Jul 14, 2020
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER, IT IS STILL HAPPENING. NOW IT IS HAPPENING IN DRIVE AS WELL. I'VE HAD THE CAR SINCE DECEMBER 2002 AND IT HAS STALLED OUT A TOTAL OF 11 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS 8000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Sep 03, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
2 complaints
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE WAS GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE JUST BUCKLED UNDER WHILE HE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY HE WASN'T ON A HEAVILY-TRAVELED ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED, BECAUSE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE, IS NOT PART OF RECALL #14S02. WHY, I DON'T KNOW? NO ONE AT FORD CAN EXPLAIN THIS TO ME, AS IT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL/YEAR. WE HAD IT REPAIRED AT GREAT COST TO US, WITH EXACTLY THE PARTS/LABOR THAT FORD HAD BEEN DESCRIBING IN THE RECALL. OUR MECHANIC EVEN GOT THE REPLACEMENT CROSSMEMBER FROM FORD! FORD THEMSELVES WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND CROSSMEMBER, THE TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY, AS THEY WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED FROM THE FRAME FAILURE. I WOULD REALLY LIKE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, WHEN THE RECALL DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. *TR
Nov 02, 2016
HAD MY 2003 ESCAPE IN TO THE DEALER FOR A WHEEL BEARING PROBLEM, WHILE IT WAS IN THE SHOP THEY DID THE OPEN RECALL 14S02 SUB FRAME BRACE INSTALLATION. DROVE THE CAR 2 TIMES. THE WIFE DECIDED TO DRIVE TO THE STORE ON A 3RD TIME AND CALLED ME TO SAY CAR WAS PULLING HARD TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME I REMOVE THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE THINKING THAT WE HAD A STICKING BRAKE CALIPER AND COULD SEE RIGHT AWAY THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD RIPPED APART RIGHT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS UP. AFTER MORE INVESTIGATION AND MANY PHOTOS IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE BOLT THAT WAS USED TO INSTALL THE BRACE PER THE RECALL HAS CAUSE THE UPPER PART OF THE FRAME TO RIP APART FROM THE LOWER PART (SPLIT IT OPEN) THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST ON THE FRAME BUT THIS REALLY LOOKS LIKE THE BANDAID CAUSED A BIGGER PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID TO CALL FORD, I CALLED FORD THEY SAID TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD EVALUATE IT. BUT AFTER READING COMMENTS HERE I DECIDED AGAINST THAT AND WILL PROBABLY JUST HAUL IT TO SCRAP YARD. WHAT A WASTE. *TR
Mar 17, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE. STRAP FAILURE RESULTED IN EXHAUST SYSTEM SUPPORTING FUEL TANK. STRAP FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. PHOTOS AVAILABLE....UPDATED12/17/14 *BF UPDATED 9/29/2015*JS *TR
Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY WHERE THE CONTACT FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,489.
Apr 15, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
2 complaints
WHILE THAT VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED; DECELERATING FROM ABOUT 35 MPH, A VERY LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BECAME UNSTABLE AND STEERING BECAME UNRELIABLE. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION IS APPEARS THAT THE WHEEL BECAME PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. AFTER A THOROUGH INSPECTION IS APPEARS THAT THE REAR MOUNTING BOLT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD DETACHED FROM THE SUB-FRAME. THIS PART OF THE SUB-FRAME SHOW EXCESSIVE CORROSION WHICH LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTING POINT. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ABILITY TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE STABILITY. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY DECELERATING AND BEING OPERATED ON A ROADWAY THAT HAD SUFFICIENT ROOM TO MAKE CORRECTIVE MEASURE OTHERWISE THE OUTCOME OF THIS FAILURE EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AND FATAL. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. THE BODY AND OTHER PARTS OF THE FRAME DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF RUST. *TR
May 31, 2013
LEFT WORK AND DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AT 15 MPH AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A LOUD SNAP/POP. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE INSTANTLY SLAMMED DOWN/DROPPED TO THE ROAD; STEERING LOCKED; I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE; SLID A FEW FEET AND STOPPED. THE PASSENGER TIRE WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE VEHICLE. THE AXLE WAS HANGING AND THE SUB FRAME WAS VISIBLE. IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD LITERALLY SNAPPED AT A WELD JOINT WITHOUT WARNING. WELD JOINT SNAPPED ON SUBFRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 9YRS W/70K MILES AND MOSTLY GARAGED; A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THIS WOULD HAVE WORSE AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, IF NOT FATAL. VEHICLE THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED TO HAVE A FORD REP REVIEW THE CASE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I HAD TO CALL FORD. AFTER CALLING, THEY THEN TOLD ME I HAD TO REQUEST THIS THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP, BUT GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALERSHIP THEN INFORMED ME THAT FORD WERE NOT INTERESTED IN REVIEWING THE VEHICLE AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND THAT I HAD CALL FORD. I CALLED FORD BACK WHO ESCALATED MY CASE AND AN ACCT MGR CALLED ME BACK WHO EXPLAINED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AT THIS TIME. OVER 1100 IN REPAIRS ARE REQUIRED DUE TO A FAULTY FRAME. I ASKED REPEATEDLY THAT THIS PARTICULAR SUBFRAME FAILURE BE INVESTIGATED AS A QUALITY/MFG PROBLEM AND I REQUESTED AN INVESTIGATION AND INFORMED THE COMPANY OF SEVERAL OTHER CASES THAT LOG THE SAME ??EXACT?? DESCRIPTION AND FAILURE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE COMPANY TOLD ME "KEEP MY RECEIPT". I STRESSED MY DISSATISFACTION WITH HOW THIS WAS HANDLED, BUT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AT THIS TIME. FORD SHOULD AT A MIN. ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN TO HAVE THE SUB FRAME INSPECTED TO ALL OF THE ESCAPE OWNERS, SO FAILURES CAN BE AVOIDED BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. THIS IS FROM A VERY DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER AND WILL CHOOSE NO LONGER TO PURCHASE ANY FORD PRODUCTS, BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE. *TR
Feb 20, 2013
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE CUTTING INTO THE PILAR MOLDING. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS. FORD STATES THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN PARKING LOTS AND SEE THAT IT IS HAPPENING IN MOST OF THE VEHICLES. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS DEFECT. BY CUTTING INTO THE MOLDING, THE SEAT BELT COULD GET STUCK AND NOT WORK PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT, ETC.
Jul 14, 2005
REAR SEAT BELT FOR THE MIDDLE SEAT IN A 2003 FORD ZX2. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD INSTALL THE SEAT BELT BUT IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY AND WOULD BE VERY COSTLY. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THE SAME THING. *JB
May 19, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
WE OWN A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WE HEARD ABOUT A RECALL ON THE ESCAPE. SO ON DECEMBER 21, MY WIFE WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO GET HER CAR WASHED. WHILE SHE WAS THERE SHE ASKED THE SERVICES TECHNICIAN IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FORD ESCAPE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE TECH INFORMED HER THAT HE HAD HEARD THERE WAS ONE, BUT HAD NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM FORD AND SAID NO MORE ABOUT IT. ON JANUARY 4TH 2005 AT ABOUT 5:00 AM MY WIFE ENTERED THE PARKING RAMP AT 12700 WHITEWATER DR, MINNETONKA, MN. SHE NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE THERE IS A SPEED BUMP ENTERING THE RAMP. NEXT SHE PLACED HERE FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND STARTED FORWARD. NEXT SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND STARTED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. NEXT SHE STARTED TO TURN IN TO A PARKING SPACE. THE NEXT THING SHE KNEW, THE ESCAPE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR AND THE AIR BAGS HAD BEEN DEPLORED. WE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP (MORRIES MINNETONKA FORD) AND THEY INFORMED US THEY WOULD FIX THE RECALL, BUT NOT THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD BY THEM TO CALL FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS. WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING PHONE TAG WITH THE RELATIONS DEPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD BY MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY TO CALL YOU AND YOUR RECORDING INFORMED ME TO FILL OUT THIS FORM.*AK
Jan 06, 2005
ENGINE STALLS AND HAS A LOSS OF POWER AT TIMES UNDER ACCELERATION. *AK
Apr 26, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
NEW CAR, OWNED 10 MONTHS. 16,000 MILES ON IT. SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE, NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER, IE; NO OVERHEATING, ALARM ETC. ENGINE REPLACED, 10 DAYS LATER DROVE ONLY 12 MILES ON NEW ENGINE. BLEW HEAD GASKET, AND ENGINE BEGAN TO BURN. AGAIN NO WARNING. *JB
Aug 21, 2004
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD ESCAPE IN NOVEMBER 2002 AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY SUV OVER 5 TIMES. RIGHT NOW, MY SUV IS IN THE SHOP FOR A COOLANT SYSTEM REPLACEMENT AND A RADIO REPLACEMENT. MY RADIO WAS REPLACED TWICE THIS YEAR ALREADY. MY SUV WOULDN'T START TWICE THIS YEAR. I BELIEVE I HAVE DRIVEN A LOANER CAR AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE NOV 2003. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY SUV. I FEEL IT IS A LEMON. IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR ME SINCE DAY ONE. *LA
Nov 26, 2003
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
I was doordashing as it's my job and all of sudden my car starts not idling won't stay off od off switch that switch stayed consistently flickered either the engine or transmission is slipping or misfiring
Apr 19, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I was recently driving on the interstate and the gas pedal got stuck so the car started speeding up very fast and the brakes and emergency brake would not make it slow down. After this i found out there was a recall about this problem and it says the previous owner of the vehicle fixed it but it’s happened while i owned it so i don’t think it was fixed correctly.
Jul 07, 2021
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE COMING FROM GEORGIA, IT WOULD DOWNSHIFT SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT IN ABOUT 4 MONTHS.I THOUGHT I HAD EVERYTHING REPAIRED, THEN MY TRUCK STOPPED PULLING IN DRIVE AT A RED LIGHT. MY SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH IS BRAND NEW AND THE POSITION SENSOR. 10/12/2020 WHEN PROBLEM AROSE AFTER REPLACING SENSORS 02/09/2021 ANY IDEAS WHY IT IS DOING THIS?
Feb 28, 2021
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I BROUGHT BRACES DRUMS FOR BACK WHEELS STILL IDONOT HAVE BRACES THEY DONOT WORK TOOK TO AUTO PLACE WAS TOLD TO CONTACT DEALER
Jul 11, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AFTER DRIVING CAR, PARKING AND STARTING AGAIN, IT WILL START BUT WILL NOT KEEP RUNNING. USUALLY CAN WAIT A FEW MINUTES WITH HOOD UP AND WILL BE OK. TODAY (10/26/2019) IT WOULD NOT KEEP RUNNING. HAD IT TOWED. PURCHASED NEW 06/2003 AND HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED. FORD MECHANICS OTHER MECHANICS DO NOT KNOW WHY.
Oct 26, 2019
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 45 MY ESCAPE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND OVERDRIVE INDICATOR SHOWED IT HAD TURNED OFF AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO ALMOST STOLL WHILE TRAFFIC WAS BEHIND ME AND BESIDE ME. I HAD TO SHIFT GEAR SHIFT UNTIL LIGHT SHOWED AGAIN THEN SHIFT IT TO DRIVE. ALSO HAD TO CLICK OVERDRIVE BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT KICKED ON. I HAD MY SISTER AND MY 2 CHILDREN 9YRS AND 10 YRS OLD IN VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENED. ALSO HAD MY VEHICLE TO START JUMPING AND SHAKING LIKE IT WAS MISSING . ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME NOW, AND AIRBAG LIGHT. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE?
Jul 20, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE K FRAME WAS CORRODED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE K FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE POWER CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, AND THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,470.
Apr 25, 2019
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE AIR BAG STAY ON AND KEEPS BLINKING AND WON'T TURN OFF. I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT, HAVING NO LUCK SO FAR.
Apr 23, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY ESCAPE STARTED TO MISS, FIRST IT WASN'T BAD THEN STARTED JERKING AND IT STARTED IDLING ROUGH WHEN I STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. WHEN I STARTED MOVING AGAIN IT ACTED AS IF IT WOULD DIE AND WOULD GO. IF I GET TO 40 MPH IT IS REALLY BAD. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON MAIN HIGHWAY WITH OTHER VEHICLES ALL AROUND ME AND HAD 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY SPEED DECREASED AND ME AND MY CHILDREN ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF DECREASE IN SPEED. IT SCARED ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN. WHEN I GOT IT LOOKED AT THE CODES SAID IT WAS MISSING ON ONE CYLINDER THEN AT ONE POINT ALL CYLINDERS.
Mar 13, 2019
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE ONLY FUNCTIONING WARNING INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS EMAILED, BUT DID NOT REPLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,871.
May 21, 2018
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE HAS STALLED WHILE AT A STOP OR GOING ABOUT 10 MPH. TWO TIMES THE ENGINE HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY GOING OVER 60 MPH, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE SIDE SWIPED AND STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY.
Nov 28, 2017
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME LOOKED RUSTED AND LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BRONDES FORD TOLEDO (5545 SECOR RD, TOLEDO, OH 43623) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER 20 MPH, THE WHEELS TURNED AT DIFFERENT ANGLES AND THE VEHICLE MADE A SCREECHING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO BRONDES FORD, BUT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER (WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE) DECLINED TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Oct 18, 2017
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V165000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY NEAR THE CONTROL ARM, WAS CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT IT FAILED INSPECTION. ALSO, THE VEHICLE'S RPM MONITOR FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 0-5, FAILING TO CORRECTLY INDICATE AN INCREASE IN RPMS. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REV UP WITHOUT THE CONTACT PURPOSELY CAUSING AN INCREASE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,310. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Apr 25, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 ESCAPE THAT HAS A INTERESTING PROBLEM WITH THE REAR HATCH. WHEN IT IS HOT OUT SIDE OR THE SUN IS SHINNING ON THE REAR HATCH THE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK,ALL THE OTHER DOORS DO. WHEN IT GETS DARK OR THE DOOR COOL DOWN THE NIT WILL UNLOCK WITH THE REST OF THE DOORS. OUR REAR HATCH. INTERMITTENTLY WORKING AND THEN NOT WORKING AT ALL. AFTER LOOKING IN THE SEARCH ENGINE ON THIS FORUM, UNDER "REAR HATCH WON'T OPEN" I FOUND A POSTING LISTING THE PART # FOR THE SOLENOID ONLY, FROM AN AFTERMARKET SOURCE. (FORD MAKES YOU BUY THE WHOLE HANDLE AND ACTUATOR ASSY. FOR $200 OR SO). THE SOLENOID WAS $10 PLUS SHIPPING. INSTALLATION WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD EXCEPT THE ROD THAT CONNECTS THE SOLENOID TO THE MECHANISM NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED AND THE WIRES SPLICED INSTEAD OF THE MODULAR PLUG ON THE STOCK ONE. IF YOUR NOT THAT MECHANICAL, YOU MAY WANT THE DEALERSHIP TO DO IT , BUT IF YOU HAVE SOME SKILLS, YOU CAN SAVE A LOT OF MONEY! (IF FORD HAD PUT A FREAKING KEY HOLE ON THE REAR HATCH IT WOULDN'T BE SUCH A BIG DEAL) SEARCH THE THREADS AND YOU WILL FIND THE POST FOR THE PART. HOPE THIS HELPS.
Apr 22, 2017
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 33 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS RUSTED AND TWISTED OUTWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE REAR CONTROL ARM TO ALMOST FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Sep 26, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I BEGAN MERGING ONTO I 820 WHEN MY VEHICLE (BY ITSELF) FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKE (IT WOULDNT PRESS DOWN, IT WAS HARD AS A ROCK). I USED BOTH FEET TO NO AVAIL. AT 75-80 MPH I JAMMED IT INTO NEUTRAL. THE RPM'S WERE STILL AT MAX. BY THIS TIME IT HAD SLOWED (I WAS ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIWAY) TO ABOUT 20 MPH, THEN JAMMED IT IN PARK. I LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALL THE INSTRUMENTS WERE ON 0. I HESITATED THEN GAVE THE CAR SOME GAS, IT WAS STILL RUNNING! I COULDNT EVEN HEAR THE ENGINE UNTIL I REVVED IT. I PROCEEDED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR DID TURN OFF. I NOTICED A 17 YR OLD BOY DYING BACK IN 2012 -13 FROM THE SAME ACT MY CAR DID. ITS BAD ENOUGH TO LOSE A CHILD BUT TO LOSE A CHILD BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION FROM A VEHICLE AND THE COMPANY STATING THEY WILL HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT FURTHER, IS NOTHING SHORT OF TOTAL NEGLIGENCE AND REFUSAL TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ONES ERROR AND WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR YOUTH? LOOK WHO'S RAISING THEM AND GIVING THEM EXCUSES.
Aug 03, 2016
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
0N APR 22, 2015 WHILE DRIVING FROM SHADY SPRING WV TO PRINCETON WV ON I-77 TO A DRS APPT, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEH WHEN VEERING OR TURNING RIGHT. I HAD TO WORK THAT DAY AFTER I RETURNED FROM THE DR AND HAD PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEH TO A MECHANIC AFTER I GOT OFF TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON PLUTO ROAD IN SHADY SPRING, I ROUNDED A CURVE TO THE RIGHT AT 20 MPH AND SOMETHING BROKE CAUSING THE VEH TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I HAD THE VEH TOWED TO A&R SERVICE CTR IN SHADY SPRING AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT AFTERNOON THAT THE SUB FRAME BROKE/ LOWER CV JOINT HAD CAME LOOSE AND THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION COVERING THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH OF THE VEH. I NOTIFIED KC PREOWNED AUTO WHOM I HAD PURCHASED THE VEH FROM IN SEPT 2014. HE WENT TO THE MECH AND LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND CALLED ME AND STATED THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SUB FRAME THAT HAD BROKEN AND COULD BE TAKEN TO MOUNTAINEER AUTO IN BECKLEY WV FOR REPAIR. THE VEH WAS TAKEN ON APR 27 2015, AND AFTER BEING SENT TO A BODY SHOP FOR A RUSTED AND BROKEN BOLT, A NEW SUB FRAME WAS PLACED ON THE FRONT. MY WIFE PICKED IT UP ON JUN 20 2015 AND NOTICED DRIVING HOME A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT AND A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF IT. I TOOK IT BACK TO MOUNTAINEER AUTO THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD BY THE SVC REP (J T) THAT FORD WAS NOT GOING TO PUT ANYMORE MONEY IN TO THIS VEH AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO. I NOTIFIED THE WV ATTY GENERAL FOR HELP AND AFTER TRYING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE RECEIVED A LETTER THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE VEH SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL FEB 3, 2016, WHEN I SAVED UP MONEY TO FIX IT MYSELF. I TOOK IT BACK TO MOUNTAINEER AUTO AND WAS TOLD THE CARRIAGE BEARING WAS BROKE, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. TOOK IT TO 2 BROTHERS AND RECEIVED THE ATTACHED STATEMENT.
Feb 15, 2016
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ON THE FRAME AND WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FACED OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Feb 09, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND RUSHED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE HARNESS AND MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 21, 2015
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I OWN A 03 FORD ESCAPE AND WHEN DRIVING AT ABOUT 30MPH MY TIRE STARTED RUBBING THE FENDERWELL AND PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT I HAD TO FIGHT TO KEEP MY CAR FROM HITTING THINGS AND ABOUT 5 SECONDS AFTER ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE IS A VERY LOUD CLUNK SOUND FROM MY PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. AND MY FRONT END DROPPED AND WHEEL LOCKED UP. CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. NEARLY MISSING PARKED CARS. I WAS TOLD MY LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM SUBFRAME. WHICH HAS A CORROSION ISSUE (THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, RECALL REFERENCE NUMBER --- 14S02) .. I WAS ADVISED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC THAT MY SUBFRAME NEEDED REPLACED. I GOOGLED AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL AND HAD IT TAKEN TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND SO FAR HAVE HEARD NOTHING.. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. AND BECAUSE OF THIS SAFETY RECALL, IT DAMAGED MY CAR EVEN FURTHER, BROKE MY C/V JOINT. PROBABLY MESSED UP THE AXEL TO
Nov 08, 2015
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WENT TO GET CAR INSPECTED AND THE EXHAUST Y PIPE AND ENGINE CRADLE SUBFRAME HAS CORRISON. CALLED THE FORD RECALL AND FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A RECALL, BUT THERE WERE OTHER 2003 RECALLS FOR THE CONTROL ARMS AND CORRISON OF THE FRAME AND MEMBERS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF FORD VEHICLES BUT NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND SHOULD BE. VEHICLE HAS 100,078 MILES. THERE IS ALSO NOISE COME FROM AN AREA AROUND THE TIRES NOT SURE WHICH ONE.
Sep 30, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLS OR WILL NOT START AS DESCRIBED IN FORD RECALL NUMBER 04S13. I HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE PARTS INCLUDING FUEL PUMP, GAS CAP, FUEL FILTER,ETC. AND NOW I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PCM PROGRAMMING ON THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK USED AND DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WAS SERVICED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS STALLING CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Mar 26, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 67 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR SCRAPES AND BRUISES AND THE TWO PASSENGERS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED BUMPS, BRUISES AND SCRAPES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Mar 26, 2015
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FIRST TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE CRADLE CROSS MEMBER BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Jun 25, 2014
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS FOUR LANES, ROLLED OVER TWICE, LANDED INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN VERTEBRAE, AND LACERATIONS TO HER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Jun 06, 2014
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY CAR IS A PART OF A RECALL FOR RUST AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUT I THINK THAT SCOPE IS TOO NARROW. MY ESCAPE HAS RUSTED WHEEL WELLS AND A RUSTED GAS TANK COVER THAT I CAN SEE. I HAVE ALSO READY HAD TO REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FOR RUST, ALONG WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND ALL OF ITS PARTS, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ALL PARTS OF THE OIL PAN. ALL OF THIS IS DUE TO RUST. THIS WAS AT THE MILEAGE OF 58,465. I STILL HAVE LESS THAN 80,000 MILES BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR THE 90 MILES FROM MY HOME TO THE JERSEY SHORE. *TR
May 30, 2014
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE JUNE 13TH 2012 FOR 8K. WE DROVE AROUND TOWN AND MADE A QUICK STOP BEFORE GOING HOME. THE ESCAPE WOULD NOT START BACK UP. WE BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY HAD THAT PLACED. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND THE TRUCK STARTED AND SHUT BACK OFF. WE FINALLY GOT IT TO START GOT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. WE GOT ON THE HIGHWAY A FEW DAY LATER THE CAR STALLED OUT. SO FOR THE PAST 20 MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR IT STALLS OUT AT HOME, ON THE ROAD, AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I DRIVE TO WORK AND HOME. ONCE IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN IT SHUTS OFF. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DEALERSHIPS INCLUDING THE ONE THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM GROOVE FORD IN COLORADO AND 8 OTHER MECHANICS. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS THE COMPUTER DOES NOT STATE WHAT'S WRONG. I HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS SUV. AS WELL AS ASKING OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS THAT I SEE DRIVING AROUND TOWN IF THEY HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE. IT IS TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT STALLS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. PLEASE TELL FORD TO LOOK INTO THIS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 05, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I CANT REMEMBER I JUST REMEMBER MY HEAD LIGHTS GOING OUT AND I TRIED TO CONTROL MY CAR AND COULDN'T. *TR
Apr 24, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HE TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE UNTIL HE PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS TO MUCH AIR GOING INTO THE THROTTLE BODY, AND THE COLD AIR WAS FREEZING THE THROTTLE BODY AND PREVENTED IT FROM FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. UPDATED 3/5/14*CN *TR
Jan 24, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ON MAY 8,2013, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDED WHILE MY CAR SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR 3 + HOURS. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ALARM, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE WIRING HARNESS ATTACHED TO THE ABS HAD A SMALL FLAME AND SMOKE FROM ITS WIRING INSULATION. AFTER EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME AND DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, I CALLED FOR A TOW . THE SAFETY FEATURES WORKED WELL AND LOCKED OUT THE ENTIRE AUTO SYSTEM. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ( RECALL 07S51 SUPPL #2 DTD 9 OCT 2009 ) AND THAT FORD SHOULD PROBABLY PROVIDE A FIX OR CREDIT TOWARD SAID FIX. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT STATUS IS: 1.) THE WIRING HARNESS IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED BY FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO APPROVED PROVISIONS TO SECURE A HARNESS. 2.) RECALL 07S51 WAS IMPLEMENTED PER THEIR RECORDS SO THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS ISSUE EVEN IF THEY COULD GET A WIRING HARNESS AND THEN TROUBLESHOOT THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE.3.) MY PRIVATE INSURANCE'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES NOT COVER A VEHICLE SITTING STATIC FOR A WIRING FIRE. 4.) I AM AWAITING FORMS FROM FORD QUALITY GROUP TO PLEA FOR CONSIDERATION. ONCE THE FORMS ARE COMPLETED AND RECEIVED BY FORD CORPORATE OFFICES, THEIR LAWYERS WILL REQUIRE APPROX 15 DAYS TO MAKE A DETERMINATION IF MY CLAIM HAS MERIT. *TR
May 13, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V353000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ACCELERATION ISSUES. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,841. *TR
Mar 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THERE WAS A CONSTANT BEEPING SOUND IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THERE WAS A CODE#B1869 STATING THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND BODY HARNESSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WOULD BE AN EXPENSE OF $686 TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Jun 08, 2012
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHEN I RECENTLY HAD MY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK ON MY VEHICLE I WAS HORRIFIED WHEN MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT! CAN YOU IMAGINE MY UTTER SHOCK WHEN MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS VEHICLE IS PROHIBITED TO BE DRIVEN SINCE CATASTROPHIC OUTCOMES WOULD BE LIKELY? HOW VERY FORTUNATE NOTHING FATAL TOOK PLACE WHILE BEING IN THIS VEHICLE; BECAUSE BASED ON THE CONDITION OF THE SUB FRAME IT COULD HAVE BEEN MY REALITY TO SUFFER DETRIMENTAL CONSEQUENCES. MY YOUNG CHILDREN ARE IN THIS SUV EVERY SINGLE DAY AND TO THINK THEIR LIVES WERE AT RISK JUST BY BEING A PASSENGER HAS SICKENED ME BEYOND WORDS. I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET IT REPAIRED ASAP, SO I INFORMED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS INSTRUCTED BY THEIR WEBSITE AND ALL THEY COULD DO WAS APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. THIS FRIGHTENING SITUATION GOES FAR BEYOND FROM BEING AN INCONVENIENCE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. I WAS NOT ASKING FORD FOR A NEW VEHICLE, I SIMPLY WAS ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE TOWARDS A MAJOR EXPENSE THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY MY LACK OF PROTECTING MY MAJOR INVESTMENT WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS BUT BY FORD HAVING DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAMES INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLES. MY MECHANIC HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A STRUCTURAL DEFECT AS THIS EVER BEFORE! FORD HAS ALREADY MANUFACTURED VEHICLES THAT INVOLVED MAJOR RECALLS FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, SO QUITE NATURALLY OTHER FORD MODELS COULD SUFFER THE SAME DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES WITH REGARDS TO THE FRONT SUB FRAME . I BELIEVE AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS HORRIFIC ISSUE IS DEEMED A NECESSITY DUE TO THE HISTORY OF FORD'S SUB FRAMES. THIS HAS BEEN VERY DEVASTATING TO ME AND I CAN'T IMAGINE ALLOWING ANOTHER CONSUMER TO ENDURE THIS MAJOR FEAR. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS IS APPRECIATED. *TR
Mar 06, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAKAGE ON HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE HOSE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LIFT GATE WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
Feb 13, 2012
WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BOLTS WERE SLIDING OR BREAKING OFF AND AS A RESULT, THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACED THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,045.
Dec 15, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
SENSOR RINGS BROKEN ON A FORD ESCAPE 2003, BRAKES LOCK UP CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Aug 16, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 03 FORD ESCAPE, AND THE TROUBLE IS ENDLESS. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES AND IT IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD IT IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP ABOUT 6 TIMES AND HAS HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 2 YEARS. THE FAILURE TO START IS SCARY BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR IS GOING TO EXPLODE OR WHAT. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT IT IS A SENSOR THAT GOES OUT AND TELLS THE CAR IT DOESN'T HAVE TO START. BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES AND THE OTHER DAY IT DID IT AGAIN. I HATE TO GO OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF GETTING STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. AND ANOTHER THING THE SMELL OF THE ENGINE IS CRAZY MY DAUGHTER HAS ASTHMA AND TALKING ABOUT A PROBLEM FOR HER IT IS. I CAN GO TO WORK AND GO BACK 30 MINUTES LATER TO MY CAR AND YOU CAN TELL THAT IT IS STILL SMELLING OF COURSE WHERE I GOT IT FROM THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NO CONCERN IT WAS DUE TO THE FACT OF THEM DROPPING OIL WHEN THEY DID A CHANGE, COME ON PEOPLE 2 MONTHS LATER. I FEAR THAT ONE DAY IT WILL EXPLODE I JUST PRAY TO GOD THAT MY FAMILY IS NOT IN THERE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AND FROM READING IN HERE I AM SCARED TO DEATH. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOME FAMILY LOSES A MEMBER. *TR
Mar 31, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 FORD ESCAPE WHICH HAD ACCELERATOR CABLE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL FROM FORD IN APPROXIMATELY 2005. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED THE RECALL, WHICH IS NOT COMING BACK TO IDLE SPEED AND ACTUALLY STICKING WIDE OPEN ON ONE OCCASION. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO REPLACE THIS AT THEIR COST, SO AM DOING THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE, OBVIOUSLY SOONER THAN LATER. *TR
Mar 03, 2009
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AND THE RPM RACED TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,900. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED NOISE IN FRONT END WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND PERFORMED INSPECTION PER RECALL. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Nov 06, 2007
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
CAR TO DEALERSHIP ON 6/1/07 FOR SERVICE. BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS TURNED, TIRES ROTATED, REPLACED STABILIZER BAR. LEFT DEALER AND IN LESS THAN 2 MILES, ABS DASH LIGHT CAME ON. WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION--THINKING MAYBE SOMETHING HAD GONE AWRY WHEN CAR WAS SERVICED. PER THEM (AND THEY SHOWED ME WHAT WAS WRONG), COLLAR ON OUTSIDE OF AXEL THAT TURNS TO SEND SIGNAL TO ABS SENSOR HAS A CRACK THAT WILL INTERMITTENTLY MAKE THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM COME ON. REPLACEMENT PER THEM--$425.00. *TR
Jun 01, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST WHILE TURNING THE CORNER THE CAR KILLED. HIT BRAKES HARD TO AVOID REAR-END COLLISION. THE CAR ACCELERATED, CAUSING ME TO ONCE AGAIN HIT THE BRAKES.*AK
Apr 11, 2007
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I'VE READ ONLINE SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE 2003 FORD ESCAPE. MY AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON ABOUT 2CE A WEEK. *JB
Mar 14, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE STALLS WHEN PLACED IN TO GEAR AND SOMETIMES WHEN STOPPING. *NM
Dec 18, 2006
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BOTH SIDES OF THE OVERHEAD SHIELD SEPARATED FROM THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THIS IS A COSCO TOURIVA MANUFACTURED JUNE 23, 2005. *AK
Jun 02, 2006
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
SO FAR I HAVEN'T HAD ANY COLLISIONS, BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY EMERGENCY BRAKES. MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE STICKING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO RUB AND GRIND WHEN BRAKING. WHEN I ACCELERATE MY ESCAPE JERKS FORWARD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY VEHICLE WORKED ON TONIGHT. *NM
Oct 18, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPEDITION 2003 SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE GUARANTEE ITS ALMOST EXPIRED, NOW THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
Aug 29, 2005
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
I HAVE AN EDDIE BAUER EDITION EXPEDITION (2003) . THIS UNIT CAME WITH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT TILT DOWN AND INWARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSIST YOU IN BACKING UP. THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IS THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT RETURN TO THIER ORIGINAL POSITION CONSISTENTLY ONCE YOU PUT THE VENICLE BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR. THIS ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE ONCE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS AS WHEN I GO TO PASS I CAN'T SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VECHICLES IN THE LANE I NEED TO GET INTO. HAROLD ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP SOLD ME THE CAR IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS AND HAVE DONE SO MORE THAN ONCE. CAN YOU HELP GET THIS RESOLVED. THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO DOESN'T RETURN TO ITS PROGRAMED POSITION AND THIS IS AN IMTERMITTEN PROBLEM WHICH ZEIGLER HAD FIXED ONCE AND ITS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN! ALSO I'VE HAD REAR END WORK DONE MORE THAN TWICE AND ITS STARTING TO HOWL ONCE AGAIN. THEY ACTUALLY REPLACED IT ONCE COMPLETELY AND REPAIRED IT TWICE, IS THIER AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR ENDS ON THIS MODEL YEAR? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION ON THESE MATTERS. RESPECTFULLY GARY A. ANSPAUGH
Jul 14, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, A WHINING AND CLUNKING NOICE COULD BE HEARD. ALSO, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T START. AT FIRST FORD CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG REGARDING THE CLUNKING. I THEN REMINDED THEM ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS REGARDING THE 2004 MODELS. THEN THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED A SOLEONID. THE START PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SO DOES THE CLUNKING NOISE. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. YESTERDAY, IT ACCELLERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK, FORM REVERSE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS HE IS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE NEWS JUST DESCRIBED ANOTHER FORD PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELLERATION. I THINK THIS IS WHAT IS AFFECTING MY CAR.
Jul 13, 2005
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
May 07, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE PADS SEPARATED, AND THAT WAS WHY SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE PARKING BRAKES FROZE ONCE THE BRAKES WERE ON AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKES WITHOUT GETTING UNDER THE VEHICLE TO PULL THE CABLE. *AK *SC
Apr 06, 2005
SEATS
1 complaint
POWER FOLD REAR SEAT IN THE FORD EXPIDITION HAS ITS CONTROL IN THE REAR OF THE 3RD ROW SEATS AND A PERSON CANNOT VIEW IF ANY CHILD OR OBJECTS ARE ON SEATS THAT WILL BE LOWERED,ALSO THE POWER SEAT DOESNT HAVE A RESEVE SENSOR BUILT IN IT, SO IT WILL NOT CRUSH ANYONE AND SHOULD STOP AFTER MEETING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PRESSURE. *AK
Dec 14, 2004
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS WARMER, THE ESCAPE INTERMITTEDLY WILL NOT START. TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 4 TO 7 TIMES OF CRANKING BEFORE SUV STARTS. OCCURED FIRST IN AUG., THE FORD SHOP REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. ONE MONTH LATER DOESN'T START AGAIN. FORD SHOP LEFT TICKET OPEN BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. IN OCTOBER, HAPPENS AGAIN. NOW THEY HAVE INSTALLED A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT I HAVE TO PUSH A BUTTON AS I'M CRANKING IF THE CAR DOESN'T START. THE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IS ONLY GOOD FOR 1 WEEK, HAVE TO KEEP GOING IN TO HAVE IT RESET.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY 2003 FORD ESCAPE WHICH I PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2003 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE FUEL INJECTORS. WITHIN 20 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DESTROYED. THE FLAMES ALSO PENETRATED THROUGH THE FIRE WALL WITHIN LITTLE TIME. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AS THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. AT THIS TIME I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE TO MY CALLS TO FORD REGARDING THIS EXTREME MALFUNCTION.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ENGINE, AND WINDOWS.*MR PRIOR TO DATE, VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SIX TIMES FOR: DIFFICULTY IN CRANKING, CLINKING NOISES IN THE ENGINE AND DIFFICULTY WITH THE IDLE. DESPITE THE LATEST SERVICE, CRANKING AND IDLING CONTINUED. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE RECURRING PROBLEMS WHICH CONTINUED TO EXIST. CONSUMER LATER DISCOVERED THE REAR WINDOW LEAKED. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE IS A DEFECTIVE AND INFERIOR PRODUCT. *PH *NLM
Oct 24, 2003
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SIZZLING NOISE WHEN AIR CONDITION IS USED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO 2 SEPARATE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT LOCATE ANY PROBLEMS. KEARNY MESA FORD (ORIGINAL DEALER) AND NORTH COUNTY FORD BOTH CLAIM NOT TO BE ABLE TO DETECT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST!!! *LA
Oct 13, 2003
TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HELLO. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW FORD ESCAPE WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES IN JUNE 2003. TIRE MODEL: CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV TIRE MODEL #: 235/70R16 WE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, WITH SIDEWALL AND TREAD SEPARATION, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND UNPLEASANT SITUATION, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE (AND TIRES) HAVE 5K MILES. THERE WAS NO LOAD OR OTHER UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE TIME. I AM WRITING FOR SEVERAL REASONS: 1. WHERE DO I OFFICIALLY REPORT SUCH AN INCIDENT AS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE? 2. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN SAFETY RATINGS REGARDING THIS TIRE IN COMPARISON TO OTHER SUV TIRES? THANK YOU, SINCERELY, JOHN W. COLE, MD DETAILS OF INCIDENT: FORD ESCAPE TIRE BLOWOUT FORD ESCAPE, PURCHASED JUNE 2003, APPROX 4900 TOTAL MILES CONTINENTAL TIRES (STOCK TIRE WITH VEHICLE) DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT: 9/25/03, 8:20 PM WIFE AND SON (10 WEEKS OLD) DRIVING EAST BOUND ON ROUTE 50, CROSSING SEVERN RIVER BRIDGE. TRAVELING AT 60 MPH IN MODERATE TRAFFIC. LOUD POP HEARD BY WIFE AND DRIVER REAR TIRE BLOWS OUT. WIFE AND INFANT SON TRAPPED AT FAR SIDE OF BRIDGE, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. POLICE CALLED, SET UP FLARES, AND NOTIFIED TOW COMPANY. TOW COMPANY STATED SUPPLIED JACK WOULD NOT LIFT THE TRUCK CHASSIS HIGH ENOUGH TO PUT ON SPARE!! TOW COMPANY USED ADDITIONAL JACK TO RAISE CHASSIS. KEY ISSUES: SUV PURCHASED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. TIRE NEW, WITH LITTLE MILEAGE. BLOWOUT OCCURS ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT REASON. TRUCK WITH NO LOAD, LESS PASSENGERS, AT THE TIME. TIRE JACK DID NOT WORK ADEQUATELY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION! IF THIS HAD OF BEEN A FRONT TIRE, VEHICLE MAY HAVE ROLLED? *JB
Oct 06, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (TIRE SIZE P235.70R16) . DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE BRAKES AND ROTORS FAILED WHICH CAUSED NOISE WHILE BRAKING. *AK *NLM
Oct 01, 2003
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
THERE WAS A GROANING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP BUT IDLING. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THE STEERING PUMP AND PRESSURE LINE HAD RUPTURED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING FLUID BEING CONTAMINATED. *AK *SCC *JB
Sep 12, 2003
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 50/55 MPH VEHICLE DIED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES.THE COST FOR REPAIRS WERE $114.21. *AK *CB
Aug 01, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT DOES NOT WANT TO MOVE. IF YOU INCREASE THE RPM'S, IT STILL JUST SETS THERE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN VERY INCONSISTENT. REVERSE SEEMS TO BE AT THIS POINT, THE ONLY PLACE IT OCCURS. IN ONE OF THE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT 3 OF THE 4 CALIPERS WERE FROZE/DRIED UP. THIS DOES NOT SET WELL WITH ME AND I SEE IT AS A POSSIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NLM
Apr 28, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 FORD Escape have?
The 2003 FORD Escape currently has 598 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 FORD Escape?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 FORD Escape are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 FORD Escape problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 FORD Escape comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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